MATCH REPORT: Aces late comeback falls short

The South Coast derby usually throws up a lively encounter but the home side threatened to run away with this one until the Aces found their feet in the later stages and came back strongly winning 4 of the last 5 races.

Both sets of riders provided excellent entertainment for the healthy crowd to enjoy as Harbourside once again provided the backdrop to a racing spectacle.

An early Smith/Hook 7-3 followed soon after by a repeat score from the Briggs/Donohue pairing unsettled the visitors who fell 13 points behind at the halfway stage.

Two more Comets 7-3s immediately after the break extended the margin even more-so, but from that point onwards Poole could not manage another heat victory as the Aces claimed inside gates and made good uses of the tactical changes.

PHOTOS: Poole v Exeter by Graham Robins

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The Exeter trio of Craig Nethercott, Aaron Herbert and Connor Tucker all impressed as they secured 7 race wins between them.

Matiej Ganczarek was different class for the Comets as he thrilled the crowd with some well-judged passing moves in his 4 unbeaten rides, and he received solid support from the rest of the team.

Poole 93
Jay Briggs 14+1 Fraser Garnett 13+1 Callum Smith 13+2 Dean Hook 11+2 Ben Tinsdale 7 Matiej Ganczarek 15+1 Ben Donohue 11+1 Macie Schmidt 9.

Exeter 85
Aaron Herbert 16 Rob Geach 10 Connor Tucker 16+1 Dave Murphy 8 Lauren Hookway 6 Dan Winchester 12 Andy Collett 4 Craig Nethercott 13.

Referee – Graham Sutton

It was great to see 2 junior teams from each club in action after the main event providing further proof – if it were needed – that the effort put into mid-week Clubnight sessions is well worth it.


Report by Graham Sutton. Photos by Graham Robins.